Apr 18, 2013, 9:20 am
Last edit by: Prospero
FAQ: "Missing" or "Skipping Segments": Hidden City, Point Beyond and Throw Away Ticketing
Q. What will happen if I "skip" a segment?
A. Skipping an intermediate or end segment is most often referred to as "Hidden City / Point Beyond Ticketing" by American Airlines, and “skiplagging” by others; doing so invalidates the contract you have with AA regarding your ticket. AA will at least cancel the remaining segments. If the reason for missing a segment is to drop the last segment to save money on a more expensive ticket to the intermediate destination, it is called a "Hidden City / Point Beyond" ticket. American Airlines states, in the Conditions of Carriage (and more existentially in Tariff Rule 100AA):
Link to American Airlines Conditions of Carriage, Ticket Validity.
Q. What about buying a round trip and not flying the return?
"Throw away" ticketing, that is purchasing a less expensive round trip ticket with the intent of not flying the return segments ("throwing away" the return tickets) is similarly frowned upon, but may be acted upon - particularly if this becomes frequent or a pattern
Q. Do American Airlines Corporate Security / AAdvantage Fraud have people and algorithms running in the background that check for these?
Assuredly, yes. Can people be found liable for fees and/or lose their accounts / status / miles? Yes, we have had many reports on FT, and the risk increases for repeaters. Can people be criminally or civilly prosecuted? Doubtful. (Link to article on Contract Fraud.)
Q. Would I get in trouble skipping the final segment?
A. Possibly not, if you don't do this on other than the rare occasion, but there is risk.
Q. Can I short check my baggage?
A. In most cases, you may find it difficult, unless you have an overnight connection, must retrieve your baggage for customs or because your connection does not offer interlining of baggage.
Q. Will I get my EQ and Award Miles.
You will likely accrue miles for the segments you actually flew. But “skiplagging” could result in miles confiscation and potentially account closure.
Q. Can I claim the residual value for the unused segment?
Au contraire; with a hidden city / point beyond ticket, you owe AA money under their rules. United and Lufthansa have billed skiplaggers, AA may have.
Q. What has AA said they can do to me about hidden city or throwaway ticketing?
“Passengers who attempt to use hidden city tickets may be denied boarding, have the remainder of their ticket confiscated and may be assessed the difference between the fare paid and the lowest applicable fare.”
A highly recommended article on this topic is 3 Words on Hidden City Ticketing: Don’t Do It (link) from ExpertFlyer, 27 Feb 2019.
Archived older posts may be read here.
For Conditions of Carriage - Ticket Validity and Letter used by AA:
Q. What will happen if I "skip" a segment?
A. Skipping an intermediate or end segment is most often referred to as "Hidden City / Point Beyond Ticketing" by American Airlines, and “skiplagging” by others; doing so invalidates the contract you have with AA regarding your ticket. AA will at least cancel the remaining segments. If the reason for missing a segment is to drop the last segment to save money on a more expensive ticket to the intermediate destination, it is called a "Hidden City / Point Beyond" ticket. American Airlines states, in the Conditions of Carriage (and more existentially in Tariff Rule 100AA):
American specifically prohibits the practices commonly known as:
Hidden City/Point Beyond Ticketing: Purchase of a fare from a point before the passenger's actual origin or to a point beyond the passenger's actual destination.
Hidden City/Point Beyond Ticketing: Purchase of a fare from a point before the passenger's actual origin or to a point beyond the passenger's actual destination.
Q. What about buying a round trip and not flying the return?
"Throw away" ticketing, that is purchasing a less expensive round trip ticket with the intent of not flying the return segments ("throwing away" the return tickets) is similarly frowned upon, but may be acted upon - particularly if this becomes frequent or a pattern
Q. Do American Airlines Corporate Security / AAdvantage Fraud have people and algorithms running in the background that check for these?
Assuredly, yes. Can people be found liable for fees and/or lose their accounts / status / miles? Yes, we have had many reports on FT, and the risk increases for repeaters. Can people be criminally or civilly prosecuted? Doubtful. (Link to article on Contract Fraud.)
Q. Would I get in trouble skipping the final segment?
A. Possibly not, if you don't do this on other than the rare occasion, but there is risk.
Q. Can I short check my baggage?
A. In most cases, you may find it difficult, unless you have an overnight connection, must retrieve your baggage for customs or because your connection does not offer interlining of baggage.
Q. Will I get my EQ and Award Miles.
You will likely accrue miles for the segments you actually flew. But “skiplagging” could result in miles confiscation and potentially account closure.
Q. Can I claim the residual value for the unused segment?
Au contraire; with a hidden city / point beyond ticket, you owe AA money under their rules. United and Lufthansa have billed skiplaggers, AA may have.
Q. What has AA said they can do to me about hidden city or throwaway ticketing?
“Passengers who attempt to use hidden city tickets may be denied boarding, have the remainder of their ticket confiscated and may be assessed the difference between the fare paid and the lowest applicable fare.”
A highly recommended article on this topic is 3 Words on Hidden City Ticketing: Don’t Do It (link) from ExpertFlyer, 27 Feb 2019.
Archived older posts may be read here.
For Conditions of Carriage - Ticket Validity and Letter used by AA:
AA Hidden City and Point Beyond Ticketing:
Skipping an intermediate or end segment is referred to as "Hidden City / Point Beyond Ticketing" by American Airlines, and doing so invalidates the contract you have with AA regarding your ticket. AA will generally cancel the remaining segments, and if it is dropping the last segment to save money on a more expensive ticket to the intermediate destination, it is called the "Hidden City" ticket.
The entire Conditions of Carriage, the contract that governs your ticket (in additon to the Detailed Fare Rules attached to your fare class and readable prior to purchase), are here: CONDITIONS OF CARRIAGE.
The specific language regarding Hidden City and Point Beyond Ticketing is here:
TICKET VALIDITY - COMPLIANCE WITH TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE
Tickets are valid for travel only when used in accordance with all terms and conditions of sale. Terms and conditions of sale include but are not limited to:
Where a ticket is invalidated as the result of the passenger's non-compliance with any term or condition of sale, American has the right in its sole discretion to:
In August 2020 AA went after user HappyInTheAir561 for Hidden City Ticketing, demanding payment of $2,500 or permanent closure of his AAdvantage account and loss of 600,000 miles balance. Below is the letter (missing is the 2,500 quote), and there is an entire thread about it here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...rmination.html The user says he ultimately paid the money.
Skipping an intermediate or end segment is referred to as "Hidden City / Point Beyond Ticketing" by American Airlines, and doing so invalidates the contract you have with AA regarding your ticket. AA will generally cancel the remaining segments, and if it is dropping the last segment to save money on a more expensive ticket to the intermediate destination, it is called the "Hidden City" ticket.
The entire Conditions of Carriage, the contract that governs your ticket (in additon to the Detailed Fare Rules attached to your fare class and readable prior to purchase), are here: CONDITIONS OF CARRIAGE.
The specific language regarding Hidden City and Point Beyond Ticketing is here:
TICKET VALIDITY - COMPLIANCE WITH TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE
Tickets are valid for travel only when used in accordance with all terms and conditions of sale. Terms and conditions of sale include but are not limited to:
- The passenger's itinerary, as stated on the ticket or in the passenger's reservation record,
- Any requirement that the passenger stay over a specified date or length of time (for example, Saturday night or weekend) at the destination specified on the ticket.
- Any special purpose or status (for example, age in the case of senior citizen or children's discounts, military status in the case of a military fare, official government business in the case of a government fare, or attendance at a qualified event in the case of a meeting or convention fare) that entitles the passenger to a special or reduced rate, or
- Any other requirement associated with the passenger's fare level.
- If used for travel to a destination other than that specified on the ticket,
- If the passenger fails to comply with applicable stay-over requirements,
- If the passenger does not meet the purpose or status requirement associated with the fare category on the ticket, or
- If American determines that the ticket has been purchased or used in a manner designed to circumvent applicable fare rules.
- Back to Back Ticketing: The combination of two or more roundtrip excursion fares end to end for the purpose of circumventing minimum stay requirements.
- Throwaway Ticketing: The usage of roundtrip excursion fare for one-way travel, and
- Hidden City/Point Beyond Ticketing: Purchase of a fare from a point before the passenger's actual origin or to a point beyond the passenger's actual destination.
- Duplicate and Impossible/Illogical Bookings: Duplicate or impossible/illogical American Airlines bookings are prohibited without prior authorization from American Airlines. A duplicate or impossible/illogical booking includes, but is not limited to, bookings for the same passenger on flights traveling on or about the same date between one or more of the same or nearby origin and/or destination (such as JFKDFW and LGADFW or DFWLAX and DFWONT), or bookings with connections that depart before the arrival of the inbound flight.
- Fraudulent, Fictitious and Abusive Bookings: Fraudulent, fictitious and/or abusive bookings are prohibited. These types of bookings are defined as any bookings made without having been requested by or on behalf of the named passenger. Additionally, creating bookings to hold or block seats for the purpose of obtaining lower fares, AAdvantage award inventory, or upgrades that may not otherwise be available, or to circumvent any of American Airlines' fare rules or policies, is prohibited without prior authorization from American Airlines.
Where a ticket is invalidated as the result of the passenger's non-compliance with any term or condition of sale, American has the right in its sole discretion to:
- Cancel any remaining portion of the passenger's itinerary,
- Confiscate unused flight coupons,
- Refuse to board the passenger or check the passenger's luggage, or
- Assess the passenger for the reasonable remaining value of the ticket, which shall be no less than the difference between the fare actually paid and the lowest fare applicable to the passenger's actual itinerary
Dear ,
Let me take the opportunity to clarify American Airlines position on hidden city or point beyond ticketing. Purchasing a ticket to a point beyond the actual destination and getting off the aircraft at the connecting point is unethical (sic). It is tantamount to switching price tags to obtain a lower price on goods sold at department stores. Passengers who attempt to use hidden city tickets may be denied boarding, have the remainder of their ticket confiscated and may be assessed the difference between the fare paid and the lowest applicable fare.
Because we compete with other airlines with different route structures, we sometimes find it necessary to give a traveler who is traveling beyond a connecting point a better price than travelers who are just traveling to the connecting point. For example, a passenger who is traveling to Austin, Texas from Los Angeles can go on one airline via Phoenix for a price that is lower than the cost of traveling on American between Los Angeles and Dallas. If we want to offer the same price to Austin as the other airline, but the only way we can get travelers there is via Dallas, we find ourselves charging the Austin passengers less than the Dallas passengers.
Although the issuance and usage of hidden city tickets is not illegal in the sense that one could be fined or sent to jail by the government, it is unethical and a breach of a passengers (sic) contract with AA. Both tariff rule 100AA and American's Condition of Carriage, which are incorporated into every ticket sold by American as part of our agreement to carry the passenger named on the ticket, bar hidden city ticketing. In addition, it violates the agencies' contract to act as an agent for American Airlines.
If American Airlines continues to lose revenue as a result of hidden city transactions, the fares we charge must inevitably rise.
Sincerely,
Let me take the opportunity to clarify American Airlines position on hidden city or point beyond ticketing. Purchasing a ticket to a point beyond the actual destination and getting off the aircraft at the connecting point is unethical (sic). It is tantamount to switching price tags to obtain a lower price on goods sold at department stores. Passengers who attempt to use hidden city tickets may be denied boarding, have the remainder of their ticket confiscated and may be assessed the difference between the fare paid and the lowest applicable fare.
Because we compete with other airlines with different route structures, we sometimes find it necessary to give a traveler who is traveling beyond a connecting point a better price than travelers who are just traveling to the connecting point. For example, a passenger who is traveling to Austin, Texas from Los Angeles can go on one airline via Phoenix for a price that is lower than the cost of traveling on American between Los Angeles and Dallas. If we want to offer the same price to Austin as the other airline, but the only way we can get travelers there is via Dallas, we find ourselves charging the Austin passengers less than the Dallas passengers.
Although the issuance and usage of hidden city tickets is not illegal in the sense that one could be fined or sent to jail by the government, it is unethical and a breach of a passengers (sic) contract with AA. Both tariff rule 100AA and American's Condition of Carriage, which are incorporated into every ticket sold by American as part of our agreement to carry the passenger named on the ticket, bar hidden city ticketing. In addition, it violates the agencies' contract to act as an agent for American Airlines.
If American Airlines continues to lose revenue as a result of hidden city transactions, the fares we charge must inevitably rise.
Sincerely,
Mr. XXXX,
As an analyst with American Airlines, one of my responsibilities is investigating violations of the General AAdvantage® Program Conditions. An audit of your AAdvantage account, determined that you have engaged in the practice known as ‘Hidden City ticketing’; the purchase of a fare to a point beyond your actual destination. Hidden city ticketing is explicitly defined in AA’s Conditions of Carriage as a violation of ticket validity. The Terms and Conditions of the AAdvantage program further state that compliance with the Conditions of Carriage is compulsory for participation in the AAdvantage program. As such, AAdvantage account XXXXXX is restricted, pending the outcome of our investigation. You may review the terms and conditions of the AAdvantage ® program (several parts of the terms and conditions are noted below) by clicking the link below or by copying and pasting it into your browser.
The audit of your account XXXXXwas completed on August xx, 2020. The following reservations were not issued in compliance with the AAdvantage Terms & Conditions, Conditions of Carriage or AA.com Site Usage policy:
52 HIDDEN CITY TICKETS (Included each one of the flights they believe is a hidden city ticket)
Not unlike other commodities, airline seats are market priced. A seat on a non-stop flight is a premium product and commands a higher price. Seats in connecting markets must be priced competitively and hence can be substantially cheaper. The ill-effects of point beyond ticketing are two-fold; the customer receives the flight for a price for which they aren’t entitled and a seat is spoiled on the separate connecting flight. An airline ticket constitutes a contract and the terms of that contract are stated explicitly in the Conditions of Carriage. Please see excerpts below.
Mr.XXXXX, these actions have resulted in clear and considerable losses to American Airlines. In addition to our loss for the travel provided, tickets booked through prohibited practices are considered fraudulent, and therefore not eligible to accrue mileage. In this case, our loss is further compounded through the Elite mileage accruals, benefits, and services used that were not otherwise available. Generally, violations of this nature subject the AAdvantage account to termination. However, we are willing to provide you with an opportunity to restore an equitable relationship through restitution for the loss on your identified travel.
You may respond to this message by 3pm, CST, Friday, August 31, 2020 stating you would like to bring your account back to good standing. At that time, the segments will be re-priced based on your intended travel and we will send you the information so that you may make the appropriate reimbursement for the travel provided. Failure to return the account to good standing or to reply, will result in the termination of your AAdvantage® membership and all its benefits, including all remaining AAdvantage® miles in your account and any award tickets issued from it.
As an analyst with American Airlines, one of my responsibilities is investigating violations of the General AAdvantage® Program Conditions. An audit of your AAdvantage account, determined that you have engaged in the practice known as ‘Hidden City ticketing’; the purchase of a fare to a point beyond your actual destination. Hidden city ticketing is explicitly defined in AA’s Conditions of Carriage as a violation of ticket validity. The Terms and Conditions of the AAdvantage program further state that compliance with the Conditions of Carriage is compulsory for participation in the AAdvantage program. As such, AAdvantage account XXXXXX is restricted, pending the outcome of our investigation. You may review the terms and conditions of the AAdvantage ® program (several parts of the terms and conditions are noted below) by clicking the link below or by copying and pasting it into your browser.
The audit of your account XXXXXwas completed on August xx, 2020. The following reservations were not issued in compliance with the AAdvantage Terms & Conditions, Conditions of Carriage or AA.com Site Usage policy:
52 HIDDEN CITY TICKETS (Included each one of the flights they believe is a hidden city ticket)
Not unlike other commodities, airline seats are market priced. A seat on a non-stop flight is a premium product and commands a higher price. Seats in connecting markets must be priced competitively and hence can be substantially cheaper. The ill-effects of point beyond ticketing are two-fold; the customer receives the flight for a price for which they aren’t entitled and a seat is spoiled on the separate connecting flight. An airline ticket constitutes a contract and the terms of that contract are stated explicitly in the Conditions of Carriage. Please see excerpts below.
Mr.XXXXX, these actions have resulted in clear and considerable losses to American Airlines. In addition to our loss for the travel provided, tickets booked through prohibited practices are considered fraudulent, and therefore not eligible to accrue mileage. In this case, our loss is further compounded through the Elite mileage accruals, benefits, and services used that were not otherwise available. Generally, violations of this nature subject the AAdvantage account to termination. However, we are willing to provide you with an opportunity to restore an equitable relationship through restitution for the loss on your identified travel.
You may respond to this message by 3pm, CST, Friday, August 31, 2020 stating you would like to bring your account back to good standing. At that time, the segments will be re-priced based on your intended travel and we will send you the information so that you may make the appropriate reimbursement for the travel provided. Failure to return the account to good standing or to reply, will result in the termination of your AAdvantage® membership and all its benefits, including all remaining AAdvantage® miles in your account and any award tickets issued from it.
FAQ: Skipping Segment, Hidden City / Point Beyond / Throw Away Ticketing (master thd)
Feb 26, 2018, 1:42 pm
#196
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,443
I've got a flight planned with my girlfriend from RNO to TPA via ORD.
She has been put on my itinerary in case of a likely upgrade home (it's a red eye).
Here's the deal, I am scheduled to be in Peoria, IL, on Monday. I was thinking of just getting off the plane in TPA.
#1 : Do I just get off the plane Sunday morning at ORD and not do the final leg home to TPA.
#2 : Do I need to fly home on that since she's on my itinerary? Would they pluck her off that flight if I'm not on there with her?
She has been put on my itinerary in case of a likely upgrade home (it's a red eye).
Here's the deal, I am scheduled to be in Peoria, IL, on Monday. I was thinking of just getting off the plane in TPA.
#1 : Do I just get off the plane Sunday morning at ORD and not do the final leg home to TPA.
#2 : Do I need to fly home on that since she's on my itinerary? Would they pluck her off that flight if I'm not on there with her?
Yes, you could just get off at ORD and not take the final leg to TPA, assuming of course you have no checked bags.
They won't take your girlfriend off the flight, although if she's using your status and the upgrade clears from ORD-TPA then they could move her back to coach as soon as you no-show, since technically she would no longer be your companion.
I would just call AA to split the PNR, you can still have them request an upgrade for her on just the RNO-ORD flight and they can also seat her next to you in preferred seats.
Feb 26, 2018, 1:44 pm
#197
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Madison WI
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT - 2.9MM, Lifetime AC, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat Amb, Hertz Precs Crcl
Posts: 2,212
I assume you meant you might just get off the flight in ORD, not TPA. And assuming sticker upgrades and your gf is no status and the ORD-TPA upgrade clears for both of you, there is a possibility she will be removed from the cabin if you don't board - but (probably) not removed from the flight - unless Y is oversold - then I'm not sure what they might do. But the rules do state the elite member MUST be on the flight for a companion (sticker) upgrade. Personally, I'd sorta doubt the GA would want the headache, but (s)he will have to offload you when you don't show, and that's where the trouble could occur.
Feb 26, 2018, 7:27 pm
#198
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
I've got a flight planned with my girlfriend from RNO to TPA via ORD.
She has been put on my itinerary in case of a likely upgrade home (it's a red eye).
Here's the deal, I am scheduled to be in Peoria, IL, on Monday. I was thinking of just getting off the plane in ORD.
#1 : Do I just get off the plane Sunday morning at ORD and not do the final leg home to TPA.
#2 : Do I need to fly home on that since she's on my itinerary? Would they pluck her off that flight if I'm not on there with her?
She has been put on my itinerary in case of a likely upgrade home (it's a red eye).
Here's the deal, I am scheduled to be in Peoria, IL, on Monday. I was thinking of just getting off the plane in ORD.
#1 : Do I just get off the plane Sunday morning at ORD and not do the final leg home to TPA.
#2 : Do I need to fly home on that since she's on my itinerary? Would they pluck her off that flight if I'm not on there with her?
Sorry, that's all I can say, as officially FT comments can not endorse violation of AA policies.
That means, at least theoretically, you would have to pay AA for the change in travel plans.
Last edited by mvoight; Feb 26, 2018 at 7:32 pm
Feb 27, 2018, 12:39 pm
#199
Used to be 'g_leyser'
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Brandon Johnson International Airport (expect delays)
Programs: AA PlatPro, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold, IHG Plat, Reno Air MEGA Platinum
Posts: 10,036
Hmmm...not sure I agree with some of the advice here.
First of all, there is no reason to do anything at all until you both arrive at ORD. Once on the ground at ORD, politely explain the situation to the gate agent for your TPA flight, or at the AC (if you're a member). He/she can remove only you from the flight, and your gf seat assignment should remain intact.
Second of all, I would NOT split the PNR, because that will take away your gf's opportunity for the upgrade.
This is honestly not that uncommon at ORD. Any decent gate agent should be able to accommodate this. Or certainly at the AC, you will have no problems.
If you're really worried about it, another option is to just not show up. Have your GF tell the GA at the last minute that "my boyfriend had an emergency at work and won't be joining."
Edited to add: And definitely enjoy the Pair-A-Dice.
First of all, there is no reason to do anything at all until you both arrive at ORD. Once on the ground at ORD, politely explain the situation to the gate agent for your TPA flight, or at the AC (if you're a member). He/she can remove only you from the flight, and your gf seat assignment should remain intact.
Second of all, I would NOT split the PNR, because that will take away your gf's opportunity for the upgrade.
This is honestly not that uncommon at ORD. Any decent gate agent should be able to accommodate this. Or certainly at the AC, you will have no problems.
If you're really worried about it, another option is to just not show up. Have your GF tell the GA at the last minute that "my boyfriend had an emergency at work and won't be joining."
Edited to add: And definitely enjoy the Pair-A-Dice.
Last edited by aisleorwindow; Feb 27, 2018 at 2:25 pm
Feb 27, 2018, 3:01 pm
#200
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Tampa Bay
Programs: AA ConciergeKey, Hertz PC , Marriott Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 73
Option #3 .. Take her to PIA and pretend Par-A-Dice in E Peoria is like a little Reno
Sorry, that's all I can say, as officially FT comments can not endorse violation of AA policies.
That means, at least theoretically, you would have to pay AA for the change in travel plans.
Sorry, that's all I can say, as officially FT comments can not endorse violation of AA policies.
That means, at least theoretically, you would have to pay AA for the change in travel plans.
Hmmm...not sure I agree with some of the advice here.
First of all, there is no reason to do anything at all until you both arrive at ORD. Once on the ground at ORD, politely explain the situation to the gate agent for your TPA flight, or at the AC (if you're a member). He/she can remove only you from the flight, and your gf seat assignment should remain intact.
Second of all, I would NOT split the PNR, because that will take away your gf's opportunity for the upgrade.
This is honestly not that uncommon at ORD. Any decent gate agent should be able to accommodate this. Or certainly at the AC, you will have no problems.
If you're really worried about it, another option is to just not show up. Have your GF tell the GA at the last minute that "my boyfriend had an emergency at work and won't be joining."
Edited to add: And definitely enjoy the Pair-A-Dice.
First of all, there is no reason to do anything at all until you both arrive at ORD. Once on the ground at ORD, politely explain the situation to the gate agent for your TPA flight, or at the AC (if you're a member). He/she can remove only you from the flight, and your gf seat assignment should remain intact.
Second of all, I would NOT split the PNR, because that will take away your gf's opportunity for the upgrade.
This is honestly not that uncommon at ORD. Any decent gate agent should be able to accommodate this. Or certainly at the AC, you will have no problems.
If you're really worried about it, another option is to just not show up. Have your GF tell the GA at the last minute that "my boyfriend had an emergency at work and won't be joining."
Edited to add: And definitely enjoy the Pair-A-Dice.
Ha Ha Ha you know I’ve been to that Boyd owned Casino, Par-A-Dice. Some of the best free second hand smoke you can receive in the area! They definitely got some money from me last year. Not this year though...I’m on a budget for an engagement ring.
I am an AC member, so I’ll probably just have them set her up for the rest of the ride home. If I can’t get an upgrade on a red eye to ORD from RNO, I guess I’ll be looking for status somewhere else
Apr 9, 2018, 12:21 pm
#201
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 4
Hello, I have a related question. My son is studying abroad in England right now, and we had to book a one-way for travel there because we didn't know his finals schedule. Now that we just learned the date of his last final, I'm trying to book a one-way back, and other than an Air India flight, most of the flights are really long with stops, or are over $2100! I don't have enough reward points to book that way. Round trip flights, LHR - NYC, are in the $660 range, nonstop. Can I book a round trip, fly him home, and then call up and cancel the return leg? It seems really unfair that they charge so much for those of us who could not book a round trip in the first place. Thanks in advance for your advice!
Apr 9, 2018, 12:50 pm
#202
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Orange County, CA, USA
Programs: AA (Life Plat), Marriott (Life Titanium) and every other US program
Posts: 6,411
Don't even need to cancel the return. Maybe set it for a date in the future, when you make the reservation, when your son might even want to fly, just in case.
Apr 9, 2018, 1:03 pm
#203
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,443
Hello, I have a related question. My son is studying abroad in England right now, and we had to book a one-way for travel there because we didn't know his finals schedule. Now that we just learned the date of his last final, I'm trying to book a one-way back, and other than an Air India flight, most of the flights are really long with stops, or are over $2100! I don't have enough reward points to book that way. Round trip flights, LHR - NYC, are in the $660 range, nonstop. Can I book a round trip, fly him home, and then call up and cancel the return leg? It seems really unfair that they charge so much for those of us who could not book a round trip in the first place. Thanks in advance for your advice!
Apr 9, 2018, 4:32 pm
#205
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 6,541
book LHR-NYC outbound
for the throw-away return segment to LHR, look around for various originations & destinations to see if cheaper - perhaps BOS-LON or BOS-LON-DUB
i'd book the return segment in jan 2019, better chance of a flight irregularity due to schedule change or delay/cancel, in which case you can get a refund for about half the total roundtrip price
i'd book this on DL, AA, or UA because the US-based airlines are more generous in refunding at flight irregularity than BA or VS
for the throw-away return segment to LHR, look around for various originations & destinations to see if cheaper - perhaps BOS-LON or BOS-LON-DUB
i'd book the return segment in jan 2019, better chance of a flight irregularity due to schedule change or delay/cancel, in which case you can get a refund for about half the total roundtrip price
i'd book this on DL, AA, or UA because the US-based airlines are more generous in refunding at flight irregularity than BA or VS
Apr 10, 2018, 7:03 am
#206
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: USA & UK -- AA EXP 3.5MM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Avis President's Club
Posts: 6,411
You might want to look at Iceland Air. Unlike most carriers, their one-way fares between the USA and UK are reasonable. Most carriers charge FAR more for a one-way than a round trip.
Hello, I have a related question. My son is studying abroad in England right now, and we had to book a one-way for travel there because we didn't know his finals schedule. Now that we just learned the date of his last final, I'm trying to book a one-way back, and other than an Air India flight, most of the flights are really long with stops, or are over $2100! I don't have enough reward points to book that way. Round trip flights, LHR - NYC, are in the $660 range, nonstop. Can I book a round trip, fly him home, and then call up and cancel the return leg? It seems really unfair that they charge so much for those of us who could not book a round trip in the first place. Thanks in advance for your advice!
Apr 10, 2018, 7:32 am
#207
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
I'm flying with AA now on May with an award ticket: GRU -> DLW -> SNA -> SFO The last leg SNA -> SFO is operated by Skywest (by Alaska air). Then return from SFO -> DLW -> GRU. It's one award ticket with one locator.
If I skip the segment SNA->SFO (Skywest), does someone thinks that American will cancel the rest of my trip?
Thanks,
If I skip the segment SNA->SFO (Skywest), does someone thinks that American will cancel the rest of my trip?
Thanks,
Apr 13, 2018, 9:41 am
#209
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 193
Dropping only part of a paid RT
I'm looking at booking a RT:
- LAX-HND
- HND-SFO-LAX (HND to SFO on JAL, SFO-LAX on AA).
Apr 13, 2018, 9:50 am
#210
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: DCA/IAD/WAS
Programs: MAR AMB, WOH Explorist, AA EXP, UA 2P
Posts: 2,136
You could just not get on the connecting flight. As you are coming internationally, you have to collect baggage anyway and go through customs. Do it once and you're fine, every trip, AA might come after you.